BUILDING INSPECTOR

JOB SUMMARY

Under general supervision, performs technical and administrative work in planning and supervising the administration and enforcement of all adopted regulatory codes and ordinances pertaining to building construction. Work involves working within broad policy and organizational guidelines; performing independent planning and implementation; and reporting progress of major activities through periodic conferences and meetings.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• ICC certifications (Residential Building Inspector, Commercial Building Inspector, Plans Examiner).
• Proficient with digital permitting/inspection platforms (CitizenServe, EnerGov, SmartGov), mobile field devices, and electronic documentation.
• Experience in municipal code enforcement or construction management.
• Knowledge of South Carolina‑specific amendments and local ordinances.
• Strong report‑writing and documentation skills.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Inspects new and existing structures for compliance with established building and other pertinent codes including additions, renovations, repairs, and upgrading.
• Performs building inspections of residential and commercial occupancies including foundation, structural, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, final, housing, occupancy, fire prevention, heating, courtesy, and gas systems/matters.
• Advises owner, builder, or superintendent of corrections needed; performs re-inspections as required; and updates inspection records.
• Performs inspections of buildings for suitability; recommends structures to be condemned as necessary.
• Remains current of building codes and Town ordinances related to construction.
• Performs general office work as required, including entering and retrieving computer data, typing reports and correspondence, copying and filing documents, sending and receiving faxes, answering the telephone, greeting and assisting customers, etc.
• Receives and/or reviews a variety of records and reports (such as addition or correction reports, site plans, structural engineering laws, architectural plans, and energy conservation reports).
• Prepares and/or processes a variety of documentation (such as addition or correction reports, and stop work orders).
• Refers to building codes, Town ordinances, manufacturing requirements, zoning ordinances, Internet, policy and procedure manuals, publications and reference texts, etc.
• Operates a vehicle and a variety of equipment and machinery (such as HVAC system, mechanical systems, electrical panel board and wiring, plumbing systems, structural framing, computer, printer, modem, router, cell phone, etc.).
• Uses a variety of tools (such as calculator, electrical analyzers, hand tools, pressure gauges, measuring tape, level, standard office tools, etc.); a variety of supplies (such as flashlights, paper, writing instruments, inspection forms, hard hats, red paint, general office supplies, etc.); and a variety of computer software (such as CitizenServe, ComCheck / ResCheck, etc.).
• Interacts and communicates with various groups and individuals (such as Building Official, other Town personnel, co-workers, contractors, engineers, architects, home owners, and the general public).
• Performs other related duties as required.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Must be licensed with the SCLLR as a Residential Inspector or Commercial Inspector. Must be able to complete required courses and certification(s) as deemed necessary by the Town.

Requires an Associate’s degree in construction, construction inspection, code enforcement or a closely related field with one to two years’ experience in all phases of the construction field, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

Must possess a valid South Carolina driver's license.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of the methods, procedures and policies of the Building Department as they pertain to the performance of duties of the Building Code Enforcement Officer.
• Knowledge of the laws, ordinances, standards and regulations pertaining to the specific duties and responsibilities of the position.
• Knowledge of applicable building and life safety codes.
• Knowledge of the methods and materials used in construction and renovation work.
• Knowledge of how to perform duties in a courteous manner and with the utmost integrity in the best interest of the public.
• Knowledge of the terminology used within the department.
• Knowledge of proper English usage and basic mathematics.
• Knowledge of modern office practices and technology.
• Knowledge of and skill in the use of computers for records management.
• Knowledge of how to react calmly and quickly in emergency situations.
• Knowledge of the standard tools, materials and practices of the trade.
• Skill in the care and use of required tools and equipment.
• Ability to conduct thorough building inspections, note deficiencies and determine proper corrective courses of action.
• Ability to perform fieldwork in uncomfortable physical conditions, including exposure to excessive heat/cold, odors, electrical currents, construction hazards, toxic agents, etc., and entering confined spaces and climbing to various heights.
• Ability to communicate professionally with other Town and county departments, property/business owners, engineering/development and construction/real estate professionals, contractors, etc., in order to accomplish goals and complete projects.
• Ability to work under stressful conditions related to balancing multiple projects within the constraints of time available.
• Ability to react professionally at all times, dealing with sensitive situations with tact and diplomacy.
• Ability to offer assistance to co-workers and employees of other departments as required.
• Ability to take the initiative to complete the duties of the position without the need of direct supervision.
• Ability to learn and utilize new skills and information to improve job performance and efficiency.
• Ability to read and interpret technical materials pertaining to the responsibilities of the job.
• Ability to prepare required reports and records with accuracy and in a timely manner.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Tasks involve the ability to exert very moderate physical effort in light work, typically involving some combination of climbing and balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching and crawling, and the lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of moderate weight (up to 20 pounds) and occasionally heavier objects and materials (up to 40 pounds). Tasks may require traversing uneven terrain, entering confined spaces and/or climbing ladders during field inspections.

BENEFITS:

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• SC Retirement System
• 401k deferred compensation
• 457b deferred compensation
• Vacation leave
• Sick leave
• Holiday leave (12 holidays)
• Flexible Spending Account
• Additional Voluntary Insurances

APPLICATION SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

• Upload your resume and list of references

The Town of Summerville is an Equal Opportunity Employer and will recruit and hire employees without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, genetic information, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions), age, political affiliation or disability, except when physical condition is a bona fide occupational qualification, and any other status protected by federal or state law.